Iryna Herashchenko: “This Is Our Home” — Ukrainian High Jumper on Motherhood, Elite Sport and Living Under Russian Missile Attacks
Last year, Ukrainian high jumper Iryna Herashchenko became a mother for the first time. Just one season later, she has returned to international competition and is once again challenging the world’s best.
Herashchenko cleared 1.97m at a Diamond League meeting this season, confirming she remains among the elite of women’s high jump. At the Ukrainian Championships in Lviv, she won the silver medal with a clearance of 1.87m.
In an exclusive interview with Tough Athletics, Herashchenko spoke about her rapid return after giving birth, balancing motherhood with an international athletics career, raising her one-year-old daughter while living under constant Russian missile attacks in Kyiv, and why leaving Ukraine has never been an option.
Your daughter is only one year old, yet you’ve already returned to top form and cleared 1.97m in the Diamond League. How difficult is it to combine motherhood with such a demanding competition schedule?
“It honestly isn’t difficult. It’s exciting because these are new roles in my life. Learning how to combine everything helps me discover more about myself. I think it’s wonderful, and I’m very happy to have this opportunity.”
Was it hard to leave your daughter for your first international competitions?
“I don’t really like the word ‘hard.’ My daughter is always with me on video calls. We talk all the time, and she’s always so happy when I come home. She’s the greatest love of my life.”
How did you manage to return to such a high level so quickly after giving birth?
“When you have support, everything becomes much easier.”
Are you currently living in Kyiv?
“Yes. We live in Kyiv. We travel to competitions and then always come back home.”
Kyiv continues to face regular Russian missile and drone attacks. How does that affect your daily life and training, especially with a small child? How do you cope mentally?
“Like everyone else who lives in Kyiv: we’re either at home or in a shelter. During the day, we simply live our lives.”
Have you ever considered leaving Ukraine, even temporarily?
“No. Absolutely not.”
Why do you stay in Kyiv?
“Because it’s our home. I don’t have anything more to add. It’s our home, and we want to be at home.”
Interview by Olena Nazarenko.
